Contraindications

Overview

Who should be immunized against JE?

Individuals deploying to areas in PACOM should be administered the JE vaccine in accordance with the latest PACOM Force Health Protection guidance. Laboratory workers with potential exposure to infectious JE virus should also be vaccinated.

JE vaccination is highly recommended for Service members, DOD civilians, and beneficiaries who are stationed or who visit for more than 30 days in endemic areas. This includes those who would be based in urban areas, but likely to visit endemic rural or agricultural areas during a high-risk period of JE transmission.

JE vaccination is also recommended for Service members and beneficiaries traveling outside urban areas or who have an increased risk of exposure due to extensive outdoor activities; to an area with an ongoing JE outbreak; to endemic areas or who are uncertain about specific destinations, activities, or duration of travel.

Is there a vaccine to prevent JE?
Yes. IXIARO®, manufactured in the United Kingdom by Intercell Biomedical, has been licensed in the U.S. since March 2009. IXIARO® is used for immunization against JE in persons 2 months of age and older.

Administration

How is JE vaccine administered?

IXIARO® is an inactivated virus vaccine injected intramuscularly in a two-dose series. Doses are administered on day zero (the day of initial immunization) and on day twenty-eight. The IXIARO® series should be completed at least one week prior to potential exposure to JEV. IXIARO® only comes in 0.5 mL pre-filled syringes.

For children 2 – 35 months of age, a single dose is 0.25 mL and for individuals 3 years of age and older, a single dose is 0.5 mL.

To administer a 0.25 mL dose, expel and discard half of the volume from the 0.5 mL pre-filled syringe by pushing the plunger stopper up to the edge of the red line on the syringe barrel prior to injection.

A one-time booster dose is recommended for persons 17 years and older if more than one year has passed since completing the primary series and the risk of exposure to the JE virus continues. Timing of additional booster doses has not yet been determined. IXIARO® cannot be used as a booster dose for previously administered JE-Vax®. Previous doses of JE-Vax® are considered void, and the two dose series of IXIARO® should be administered for continued protection against JE.

What are the most common side effects following JE immunizations?

The most common side effects for children 2 months to one year are injection site redness, fever, irritability, and diarrhea. The most common side effects for individuals 1 year and older are injection site pain or tenderness, fever, headache, and myalgia. Contact your health care provider if you have any of the following problems because these may be signs of an allergic reaction:

difficulty breathing

hoarseness or wheezing

hives

dizziness, weakness or fast heart beat

Are there special restrictions for personnel on flying status?Temporary flying restrictions are per Service specific policy.

Contraindications

Who should not receive the JE vaccines?

People who had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of IXIARO® or other JE vaccine, or are allergic to any component of IXIARO®, including protamine sulfate, should not be vaccinated. IXIARO® contains protamine sulfate, known to cause hypersensitivity reactions in some individuals.

Safety and effectiveness of IXIARO® has not yet been established in pregnant women or nursing mothers. Pregnant women should generally not receive JE vaccine. Check with your doctor since it could be recommended under certain circumstances.

If you will be traveling for fewer than 30 days, especially if you will be staying in major urban areas, tell your doctor. You may be at a lower risk and not need the vaccine.

What should I tell my health care professional before I am vaccinated with IXIARO®?

It is very important to tell your health care provider if you:

have had an allergic reaction to a previous dose of IXIARO or any other JE vaccine;

have a bleeding disorder or a reduction in blood platelets, which increases risk of bleeding or bruising (thrombocytopenia) and cannot receive injections in the arm;

have a weakened immune system, for example, due to a genetic defect or HIV infection;

are or may be pregnant, or are breast feeding - IXIARO has not been studied in pregnant women or nursing mothers;